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Identification of dynapenia in older adults through the use of grip strength t ‐scores
Author(s) -
Bohan Richard W,
Magasi Susan
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.24264
Subject(s) - grip strength , hand strength , medicine , physical therapy , population , gerontology , reference values , cross sectional study , physical medicine and rehabilitation , environmental health , pathology
ABSTRACT Introduction : The aim of this study was to generate reference values and t ‐scores (1.0–2.5 standard deviations below average) for grip strength for healthy young adults and to examine the utility of t ‐scores from this group for the identification of dynapenia in older adults. Methods : Our investigation was a population‐based, general community secondary analysis of cross‐sectional grip strength data utilizing the NIH Toolbox Assessment norming sample. Participants consisted of community‐dwelling adults, with age ranges of 20–40 years ( n = 558) and 60–85 years ( n = 390). The main outcome measure was grip strength using a Jamar plus dynamometer. Results : Maximum grip strengths were consistent over the 20–40‐year age group [men 108.0 (SD 22.6) pounds, women 65.8 (SD 14.6) pounds]. Comparison of older group grip strengths to those of the younger reference group revealed (depending on age strata) that 46.2–87.1% of older men and 50.0–82.4% of older women could be designated as dynapenic on the basis of t ‐scores. Conclusions : The use of reference value t ‐scores from younger adults is a promising method for determining dynapenia in older adults. Muscle Nerve 51 : 102–105, 2015